In person interview with a board of 3 people. This is following an online application and you are called over to the nearest consulate to you. The interview is largely about past experience and qualifications to teach.
I applied online. The process took 10 months. I interviewed at JET Program in Feb 2023
Interview
It was very nice and easy, Very basic questions on how you will teach in Japan and what type of experience you can bring as an english teacher in Japan
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How will you contribute to grass-roots cultural exchange between the USA and Japan
After going through the application process, I was invited for an interview at the embassy. I went and interviewed at the embassy in Houston. Panel of 3 took turns asking the standard interview questions about work experience, education, teaching, etc.